Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. arrest
    • ex. Police arrested five people for robbing the bank.
  2. a suspicion
    • ex. There is a suspicion that he is lying.
  3. luggage
    • ex. Airport staff checks luggage for illegal items.
  4. seize
    • ex. The government seized the illegal items before they were sold in the market.
  5. a theft
    • ex. The guards of the jewelry store stopped a theft from happening.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Police arrested fourteen airport workers from Tenerife’s largest airport in Spain’s Canary Islands. The police have a suspicion that the workers were stealing from checked-in luggage. They seized the cash and several items that seemed stolen from different luggage owners. Overall, the items and cash are worth almost two million euros (about ¥313 million). Another 20 airport employees are under investigation in the same case.

The investigation began after an increase in passenger complaints. The complaints were about items missing from their luggage. About 11 million passengers a year travel through the Tenerife South airport. Most of them are European tourists who like the pleasant climate of the Canary Islands.

According to the police, thefts happened as luggage was being placed in the airplanes’ storage. In the storage, the suspects opened suitcases. Then, they stole valuable items and closed them again. Police seized 29 luxury wristwatches, 120 items of jewelry, 22 high-end cellphones, and different electronic devices. They believe that the suspects sold many other items online or in local stores.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Airport Theft

  • Do you think airports in your country are safe? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what is the effect of airport theft (ex. fewer tourists will visit the country)? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how can airport theft be stopped? Discuss.

Luggage

  • Is it easy or difficult for you to pack your things in your luggage when traveling? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Have you ever experienced any problems at an airport because of your luggage? Discuss.
  • Imagine you have to bring a valuable thing to another country. What would you do (ex. put it in checked-in luggage, carry it inside the plane)? Why? Discuss.